Debate on Cosplay
 

First off, to the Mods, if you think this belong to the "Fashion" section, please kindly move it

Participant, please keep it clean, and don't attack others, I really want to hear people's opinion toward this.

I am just wondering, if anyone here know someone or had experience yourself in cosplay? If you do, what goes through the mind of a cosplayer?

I went through a period of self doubt when I was younger (much younger), but I never dream of dressing up like character from video games or animate, to me there is a clear cut between that world and reality.

Do you think, or is there anything solid (proven) that this cosplay culture is related to self esteem or someone in need of attention? Or is it a pure act of "getting away from reality"? I can see the later with the general Japanese society, given the stress level and pressure the nation is under.......

There's already a thread for this
http://www.japanforum.com/forum/japa...g-%5Eo%5E.html
if this is what you wanted to talk about...?

Thanks. Not exactly, that thread was for people that do it and show off about it.

I want to talk about whether people think its related to self esteem, lack of attention or if they think that its purely an act to get away from reality...

In my opinion, I think people sometimes look at the reasons too deeply. Maybe for some people it's to do with self-esteem or a form of escapism, but for most people, it's just a bit of fun. Like any kind of dressing up, a lot of people just do it for fun and enjoy creating their outfits or socialising with people wearing outfits of characters they like. I don't think in most cases there is some deep and hidden motive as to why a person would want to cosplay, certainly not in my case.

for fun.

it's kind of like asking if people dress up at halloween because of self-esteem issues.

people are able to cosplay because they have self-esteem & they can deal with the crap people give them about their hobby. need of attention? cosplaying doesn't necessarily get people to notice you. especially when you're going to a convention where you're just going to blend in.

& getting away from reality? well..all i gotta say to that is..if a change of clothes will help me escape reality then somebody better show me how it's done 'cause i want a break!

oh & i have never cosplayed before. but i will be next year at the convention, though. WHY? 'cause i like to have fun.

I think you're looking too much into this. I can't speak for everyone, but for me cosplay is just fun. I enjoy testing my skills when I make my costume and I enjoy showing it off by wearing it. To me it's wearable art. I don't think you have to have a self esteem problem or have to want attention. Personally, I could care less if anyone takes notice, however it is rather nice when someone comments nicely on your work. :)

Is it an escape from reality? Hmmm...no more than a vacation would be, I think. As I've said, I cosplay for fun (even if my first time was rather forced.) and I only cosplay at cons. I love going to an anime con because it's like a mini vacation for me. I really don't count that as an escape from reality, just an escape from everyday stress.

Again, please don't take any offense, I am just trying to understand that culture, because right now, it seems to be the norm among a lot of young people, but i still look at it and think that its, well.. different......

Ok, so Halloween and your Convention, people dress up because of the event.. i am asking about people who just do it on a regular basis

like harajuku?

but some people take pride in the fact that they're different, no?

okay, how about this. it isn't about escaping reality, low self-esteem, or attention-seeking. it's because dressing up the way they do is just their means of expressing themselves.

I'd like to know where this is a norm? Even in Japan, out the total population very few do this.